Fibre reinforced shotcrete strategy for optimisation of ground support efficacy

Authors: Mbenza, J; Potvin, Y; Wesseloo, J Download Paper

Cite As:
Mbenza, J, Potvin, Y & Wesseloo, J 2024, 'Fibre reinforced shotcrete strategy for optimisation of ground support efficacy', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 1534-1543.



Abstract:
Two fibre reinforced shotcrete (FRS) strategies, namely the uniform liner thickness (ULT) and cavity filling (CF), were considered for optimising ground support efficacy – performance and economics – in poor rock mass conditions. Numerical modelling was used to capture the complex interaction between the ground support and the rock. The results of the analysis indicate that, for blocky grounds encountered at mine sites, applying FRS in the form of CF instead of the conventional ULT can improve the ground support performance significantly. This is particularly the case where the rock mass deformation is foremost structurally controlled. The analysis also indicates that improvement in rock bolt density and rehabilitation requirement is possible.